Task Force May Study Parks, Schools

Parks, water and sewer needs, fire service and schools could be the next targets of the task force that put together a road-funding package to generate nearly $600 million during the next 15 years.

The road-funding recommendations of the 11-member Infrastructure Task Force were approved unanimously last week by the Palm Beach County Commission with the unified support of developers, county planners and homeowner groups.

County Commissioner Ken Spillias, chairman of the task force, said the group now needs to set new priorities and keep up the momentum generated by its success.

``Taking the (road-financing) experience into other areas would be helpful,`` Spillias said. ``They know what impact the roads package would have (on potential sources of funding).

``I think at our next meeting, we will go over what areas should be considered and what priorities to give them.``

The panel consists of leaders of homeowner groups, a mayor, builders, planners and county officials.

Its road-funding recommendations, designed to meet an annual shortfall of $38 million to $40 million, calls for doubling the county`s gasoline tax from 2 to 4 cents a gallon, tripling residential impact fees and doubling commercial impact fees.

An additional half-mill -- 50 cents for every $1,000 value set on taxable property -- would be set aside for roads, and a real estate transfer tax was also proposed, although it must be approved by the state Legislature.

The real-estate transfer tax is projected to generate $10 million to 12 million annually, but faces an uphill battle in the Legislature, which has been reluctant to approve such local taxes.

Task Force member Peter Rapaport said he is concerned about leaving the roads issue too quickly. ``The job isn`t finished,`` the builder said. He suggested task force members may need to lobby for the bill`s passage. But, he added, ``There are other areas for the task force to get into.``

Fire services, schools, water and sewer are some of the major areas that should be addressed by the task force, said Spillias.

``My feeling is fire services would be something to look at, now that we`ve consolidated and are growing so fast,`` he said. ``And, with some of the districts being underequipped, I`m sure we are going to see a need for upgrading the level of service.

``And that is going to cost bucks. And we are going to be looking for ways for raising money other than taxes.``

In addition to schools, water and sewer needs, Spillias said, parks and beaches should be studied, too.

``Our parks are important. We`ve got a pretty good handle on parks. This county has purchased a lot of land in the last seven or eight years,`` he said.

Acquiring more beachfront, finding more funds to complete the major parks such as Okeeheelee and the additional operation and maintenance involved as the parks system grows must be addressed, he said.

Last week, County Administrator John Sansbury told commissioners they should consider a bond issue as a possible way to pay for beach acquisitions and park improvements -- needs that Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Eshleman has pegged at $60 million.